There is consensus in Iran over illegitimate nature of Israel: FM Spokesman

Qashqavi made the remarks in his weekly press briefing in response to a question
posed on friendship between the Iranian nation and people of Israel.

The question was put forward in reaction to a statement made by the head of
Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO)
Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei that Iranians are friendly to all nations including the
Americans and the Israeli Jews.

Mashaei was conveying the humanitarian attitude of the Iranian nation said that
the friendship with the Jewish people has nothing to do with the usurper regime
of Tel Aviv.

"Today, the
members of the cultural committee reviewed Mashaii's recent remarks especially
on Iran's friendship with Israeli people. So, we decided to invite head of the
cultural heritage organization to explain the reasons for such remarks," Jalal
Yahya Zadeh of the Majlis cultural committee told the Mehr News Agency on
Tuesday.

Mashaii had earlier said, "Iran is friends with
the Israeli people" in stark contrast to Iran's stance on the Zionist regime.

He has also described the people of the United
States as "one of the best nations in the world".

"Today, Iran is friends with the American and
Israeli people. No nation in the world is our enemy, this is an honor," Mashaii
had stated.

Yahya Zadeh pointed out the committee will announce
its position on the issue after having heard Mashaii's justifications.